William James Blanchard, 89, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, in Wooster. A devoted father, accomplished banker, and passionate community leader, Bill lived a life marked by service, integrity, and deep love for his family and faith.

Born on April 22, 1935, in Canton, Ohio, to Clayton and Elsie Blanchard (née Loehle), Bill grew up with strong Midwestern values that would guide him throughout his life. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Canton before attending The Ohio State University in Columbus. After college, he served briefly in the Army Reserve.

Bill’s professional journey was distinguished by leadership roles across the banking industry. He began his career in banking in Canton, then soon became a Federal Reserve Bank Examiner in San Francisco before becoming President at Commercial Banking and Trust Co., Central Trust, and later Senior Vice President at both PNC Bank and Bank One (now Chase). His reputation as a respected businessman was matched by his unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and financial stewardship.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill was deeply involved in civic life. He was a longtime member of Ebenezer Lodge #33 F. & A. M., the Wooster Rotary Club, and the 20/30 Club of Wooster. His dedication to community service included board memberships with The Wayne County Committee for Crippled Children & Adults, College Hills Retirement Village, the Wooster Growth Corporation, and over three decades of involvement with the Ohio Light Opera.

A devout Christian throughout his life, Bill found spiritual fulfillment as a member of both St. Christopher’s Anglican Church and St. James Episcopal Church in Wooster. His faith was a guiding force that shaped his relationships and inspired his generous spirit.

Bill had a profound appreciation for nature and expressed this passion through photography. An avid nature photographer, he won numerous awards in juried competitions for his striking images that captured the beauty of the world around him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marilyn Blanchard (née Lauder), his parents Clayton and Elsie Blanchard, and his sister Lorraine Blanchard Treese.

Bill is lovingly remembered by son Scott (Stephanie) Blanchard; daughter Katharine “Kristian” (Virginia) Justice-Blanchard, sister Rosemary (Clarence) Anderson; stepson Tim (Martha Hoyle) Peterson; grandchildren, Matthew Blanchard, Olivia Blanchard and Misha Peterson; along with many friends and colleagues who were touched by his wisdom and warmth.

Friends may call from 5-7pm Friday, May 2 at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster, OH  44691.

A funeral service will be held at the chapel at West View Healthy Living, 1715 Mechanicsburg Rd., Wooster on Saturday, May 3 at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ohio Light Opera, Freedlander Theatre, 329 East University Street, Wooster, OH 44691.

Bill’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he enriched—as a father whose love knew no bounds, as a leader who served with humility and vision, and as a man whose lens revealed the quiet majesty of nature. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com